"Lifting" of disused lines

[Mcr Warrior]

Not really, but it does make any re-opening project that much more expensive for the diversions and rehabilitation of the old tunnels for use by the grid. Of course, that is probably National Grid's reasoning for putting the cables in to the newer tunnel in the first place - so that they dont have to spend the money on the old tunnels.

Essentially, the existing power cables at Woodhead in the original single track North tunnel were life-expired and in need of replacing, the power supply cannot be switched off for years at a time until the new work is finished, and as it wasn't considered practicable to make use of the adjacent single track South tunnel (due to collapses) which only left the 1953 "new" double track tunnel for installing the replacement power cables. When the new power cables are in place, it won't really be possible to have an operational railway track running over them due to lack of maintenance access. This then just leaves the Victorian tunnels as available for possible railway traffic in the future, both of which are unsuitable for electrification in their current state, and one of which is in very poor condition. Never say never, but as I stated previously, this, in my opinion, effectively rules out the chances of the Woodhead railway line ever re-opening anytime soon(!)

 

[yorksrob]

Essentially, the existing power cables at Woodhead in the original single track North tunnel were life-expired and in need of replacing, the power supply cannot be switched off for years at a time until the new work is finished, and as it wasn't considered practicable to make use of the adjacent single track South tunnel (due to collapses) which only left the 1953 "new" double track tunnel for installing the replacement power cables. When the new power cables are in place, it won't really be possible to have an operational railway track running over them due to lack of maintenance access. This then just leaves the Victorian tunnels as available for possible railway traffic in the future, both of which are unsuitable for electrification in their current state, and one of which is in very poor condition. Never say never, but as I stated previously, this, in my opinion, effectively rules out the chances of the Woodhead railway line ever re-opening anytime soon(!)

Indeed. They should have been forced to repair the South tunnel rather than foul the re-usable rail tunnel. But then again, the day a government in this country doesn't cave in to big business will be the day pigs fly.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

But they don't necessarily have to maintain them, the Amlwch branch on Anglesey still has track apparently but I've heard that there are trees growing out from it, so it obviously isn't maintained.

Is there anything in the Strategic Land Useage records that the Welsh Assembly Group could refer to in regards to this line? Octel, the large user closed their plant in 2003 and their premises were demolished. There is now little. if any, part of the infrastructure of Amlwch station now remaining.

 

[sheff'd victoria]

The "Longdendale Trail" (six mile section of former track between Hadfield (Derbyshire) and Woodhead Tunnel on the Manchester - Sheffield Victoria line) was last used by railway traffic in mid 1981 and the track was lifted approximately five years later in 1986. The ballast was then skimmed off and then re-used in strengthening Woodhead Dam wall. In May 1992, the former trackbed was re-opened as the "Longdendale Trail" and is used by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. National Grid are currently putting new 400 kV power cables in the post-war (former double-track) Woodhead Tunnel, which effectively rules out the chances of the railway line ever re-opening anytime soon(!)

Ive always wondered why the time scales for lifting varies so much , on the Woodhead the track from Aldam Junction to Silkstone Junction was lifted after the line was closed in 1981 , yet the section from Penistone to Hadfield stayed in place for 5 years

 

[furryfeet]

Ive always wondered why the time scales for lifting varies so much ........the section from Penistone to Hadfield stayed in place for 5 years

There was an agreement with the unions ( following a local strike in the Manchester area ) that one track over Woodhead would remain in situ for 5 years after closure.

 

[RichmondCommu]

There was an agreement with the unions ( following a local strike in the Manchester area ) that one track over Woodhead would remain in situ for 5 years after closure.

I didn't think the moritorium was that long (the original one was 12 months). After more union pressure there was a further delay but the up and down lines were removed between 1984 and 1986. Many of the concrete panels were good enough to be used elsewhere which to me speaks volumes! Sadly, in the late 70's / early 80's there was simply not the traffic to warrant four trans pennine routes.